How to add an eSIM card to an Android phone

How can I check if my Android device supports eSIMs?

To be able to ditch physical SIM cards, you’ll first have to find out if your Android supports eSIMs. You’ll find the answer in your phone’s settings, on the manufacturer’s website, or on your mobile carrier’s website.

Check your phone’s settings

You can check if your mobile device is eSIM compatible by going to its settings and looking for options related to mobile networks or SIM cards. If you find an option for adding an eSIM — congrats, your device is eSIM compatible!

For example, on Samsung Galaxy phones, you can go to “Settings,” “Connections,” and “SIM card manager” where you’ll find the “Add eSIM” section or a similar one. Unfortunately, if there’s no eSIM section, you’ll have to stick to a physical SIM card and pay for roaming when you travel. 

Check out the manufacturer’s information

Another way to check eSIM compatibility for your Android is to go to the manufacturer’s website and look up your phone model’s specifications. Most recent Androids support eSIM technology so using an eSIM shouldn’t be a problem.

Check in with your carrier

However, you should also find out if your carrier supports eSIM technology. Not all carriers support eSIMs, while some only offer eSIM services in several regions and with specific mobile plans. So check out your carrier’s website or simply contact its customer support.

Which Android phones are compatible with eSIMs?

To save you time on browsing, here’s a list of the most recent eSIM compatible Android phones: 

1. Samsung Galaxy: S20, S20+, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, Z Flip, Z Flip 3, and Z Flip 4.

2. Google Pixel: Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a (not including phones bought in Japan), Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a.

3. Huawei: Huawei P30 Pro, Huawei P30 Pro New Edition, P40, P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro+, Mate 40 Pro, Huawei P50 Pro, and Huawei Mate 50 Pro.

4. Motorola: Razr 2019, Razr 5G, Moto G Power, Moto G Stylus 5G, Motorola Razr, and Motorola Edge+.

5. Gemini PDA: Gemini PDA 4G LTE.

6. Rakuten: Rakuten Mini, Rakuten Big-S, Rakuten Big, Rakuten Hand, and Rakuten Hand 5G.

7. Sony Xperia: Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 1 IV, and Xperia 5 IV.

8. OnePlus: 7 Pro, 7T Pro, 8, 8 Pro, 8T, 9, 9 Pro, 9R, 10 Pro, 10T, Nord N200, Nord N10 5G, and Nord N100.

9. Nokia: 8.4 5G, 5.4, 7.2, X20, X10, and G50.

It’s fair to say that all Android phone models that will hit the market after these will support eSIM technology. 

How to install an eSIM on an Android

You can install an eSIM on your Android by downloading an eSIM provider app or by scanning a QR code.

Download an eSIM app

The easiest option of getting an eSIM for your Android phone is to download an eSIM app. Simply pop in to the Google Play Store and choose an eSIM provider.

With some eSIM service providers like Saily, you can enjoy a quick installation process — simply download the app and follow the easy steps on the screen to activate your mobile data plan. 

Use a QR code

You can also add an eSIM to your Android by using a QR code. Your mobile carrier will provide the code on a physical card, in an email, or on their website, so all you have to do is:

1. Open your phone’s settings and find the “SIM card manager” (or similar) option.

2. Tap on the “Add eSIM” (or similar) option.

3. Select “Scan QR code.”

4. Continue following instructions on your screen to complete the installation process.

How to activate an eSIM on an Android 

Once you’ve installed an eSIM on your device using an eSIM app or by scanning a QR code, it’s time to activate the new eSIM card. The steps on how to activate an eSIM will be similar on Android phones, but you can check the following instructions for your device to be sure.

Samsung Galaxy

To activate an eSIM on your Samsung Galaxy phone, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Tap on “Connections.”

3. Select “SIM card manager.”

4. Tap on “Add eSIM.”

5. Under the “eSIMs” section, toggle on the eSIM that you’ve just installed.

Google Pixel

You can activate an eSIM on your Google Pixel phone by following these easy steps:

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Tap on “Network and internet.”

3. Select “eSIMs.”

4. Find the eSIM you’ve just installed and select it.

5. Toggle on “Use  this SIM.”

6. Make sure that “Mobile data” is toggled on.

Huawei

It’s easy to activate an eSIM on your Huawei phone if you follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Tap on “Mobile network.”

3. Select “SIM management.”

4. Under the SIM management section, you’ll see the eSIM you’ve just installed. Tap on your new eSIM.

5. Activate your new eSIM by toggling the switch next to it to the “on” position.

6. Tap on "Mobile data" to make sure it is enabled for the eSIM.

Whether you want to save on roaming charges or enjoy flexible mobile data plans, simply go for an eSIM. Most recent Android phones are eSIM compatible, making installing, activating and even transferring an eSIM to a new Android phone a piece of cake. Just purchase a mobile data plan that’s best for you and browse away!